Anyone who comes in must be the right fit for the club, says Lewisham Borough chairman Ray Simpson

LEWISHAM BOROUGH chairman Ray Simpson says he is looking for the right manager after parting company with Willie O’Sullivan last Saturday.

The club are in the bottom four in the Kent Invicta League, having won four of their thirteen league games, with 13 points from 13 games.

Lewisham Borough suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rusthall last Saturday and Simpson parted company with O’Sullivan and his assistant manager Canturk Yanpar after the game.

“It was a difficult decision but a change was needed due to a poor run of form and defeats and a lack of commitment from players, which meant that the management were trying to operate in very difficult circumstances,” said Mr Simpson.

“There is no budget which can make it difficult to operate at this level but the club firmly believe with hard work, passion, commitment and time to develop players’, success can come back to Lewisham.

“This is a great level of football being the first rung of the semi-professional ladder and that alone should attract players.

“The catchment area is fantastic and the links the club have developed with other schools and colleges are significant.

“We are the senior community club in the Borough of Lewisham and facilities year on year have improved significantly largely due to the fantastic team of volunteers and not just football related.

“I am in talks to further develop our facilities this season, which hopefully will allow us to play in The FA Vase next season.

“This really is a great opportunity for a management team along with board members and volunteers to take the club forward.

“The club have been inundated by interested parties wanting the role of first team manager, but I will not be rushed into making an appointment. Anyone who does come in must be the right fit for the club.”

Simpson and vice-chairman George Davis will take charge of first team matters away to Sutton Athletic tomorrow, who are on an eight-match unbeaten run and sit in third-place in the Kent Invicta League table with 27 points from 14 games, 11 points adrift of leaders Hollands & Blair.

Lewisham Borough’s last home game of the year will be against Charlton-based Bridon Ropes – at Ladywell Arena – on Saturday 28 December (1pm).

Sutton Athletic  v  Lewisham Borough
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 21^st December 2013
Kick Off 2:00pm
At Lower Road Sports Ground, Lower Road, Hextable, Kent BR8 7RZ